Abstract: The present invention provides a non-rigid retractor for providing access to a surgical site, such as a patient's spine, during a surgical process. When used in spinal surgery, the non-rigid retractor allows a surgeon to operate on one or more spinal levels. The non-rigid retractor includes at least one flexible strap anchored at a first end to the spine or other internal body part at the surgical site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor featuring cassette assemblies that provide the blades for the retractor and include mechanisms for controlling the angulation and retraction of the blades. The use of such cassette assemblies allow for the addition or removal of blades on the retractor by attaching or detaching the cassette assemblies to a frame. The mechanisms for controlling angulation and retraction of the blades allow a surgeon greater flexibility for creating a surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes an access device defining a channel and an integrated light source for illuminating the channel. A lens focuses light produced by the integrated light source along the channel. The light source may be a light emitting diode disposed in a sidewall of the access device, an electroluminescent surface forming at least a portion of the sidewall or other suitable light source capable of being integrated with the access device. An integrated power source may be integrated with the access system for independently powering the light source.

Abstract: An access device for providing access from a skin incision to a surgical site is described. The access device has a first section having a proximal end and a distal end defining a first path therethrough. The access device has a second section having a proximal end and a distal end defining a second path therethrough, the second section is movable relative to the first section, and the first and second sections cooperate to form a continuous path such that movement of the second section changes the length of the path.

Abstract: An access device for providing access from a skin incision to a surgical site is described. The access device has a first section having a proximal end and a distal end defining a first path therethrough. The access device has a second section having a proximal end and a distal end defining a second path therethrough, the second section is movable relative to the first section, and the first and second sections cooperate to form a continuous path such that movement of the second section changes the length of the path.

Abstract: An implantable pump and methods for detecting leaks in an implantable pump are provided. In one embodiment, the implantable drug pump includes a housing having at least one inlet port and an outlet port formed therein. The outlet port is adapted to communicate with a catheter for delivering fluid to a patient's body, and the inlet port(s) are effective to deliver fluid into the housing. The housing further includes at least one reservoir disposed therein and effective to contain a fluid. In use, the pump preferably includes a fluid having one or more drugs disposed in at least one of the reservoirs, and a radiolucent fluid disposed in one of the reservoirs. A user programmable control mechanism is coupled to the drug pump and is effective to selectively control movement of the valves between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A blade extending tower for setting blade depth on retractors having telescoping or extending blades. The blade extending tower features a base, a column extending from the base, and mating features on the column configured to engage the blades of a retractor to extend the blades to a desired blade depth. Blade depth of the retractor is set buy sliding the retractor onto the blade extending tower such that the mating features of the blade extending tower engage the blades or the retractor, stopping the blades progression while the rest of the retractor continues along the length of the column. Thus the blades of the retractor are extended from the retractor to a depth determined by the configuration of the blade extending tower.

Abstract: A hydrocephalus shunt has photocatalytic capabilities. The shunt is used to treat hydrocephalus by inserting into a human cranium a hydrocephalus shunt having a component having a surface. Thereafter, a reactive oxygen species is produced on the component surface. The component may be a catheter. The shunt may also include a light source.

Abstract: This invention includes surgical retractors that comprise an expandable frame that includes at least two base components, a connector, and at least two retractor blades attached to the expandable frame. Also included are surgical retractors that comprise a housing component that includes a cylindrical portion and a contiguous blade portion, assemblies comprising a surgical retractor assembled to at least one obtruator, illuminated surgical cannulas, and methods of using the same during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: This invention includes surgical retractors that comprise an expandable frame that includes at least two base components, a connector, and at least two retractor blades attached to the expandable frame. Also included are surgical retractors that comprise a housing component that includes a cylindrical portion and a contiguous blade portion, assemblies comprising a surgical retractor assembled to at least one obtruator, illuminated surgical cannulas, and methods of using the same during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical method includes inserting a first port that defines a first pathway to a first vertebra, advancing a first anchor through the first port to the first vertebra, inserting a second port that defines a second pathway to a second vertebra, advancing a second anchor through the second port to the second vertebra, positioning a first end of a fixation element in the first port, and advancing the first end of the fixation element subcutaneously through an opening in the first port and an opening in second port to the second anchor. A surgical access port includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The port may include a first opening formed in the sidewall that defines a passageway for medical hardware from the lumen to external to the port.

Abstract: The present invention provides an introducer element for facilitating the insertion of a medical instrument into a body. The introducer element includes first, second, third and fourth housing areas. The first area contains a first lumen and the second area contains a second lumen. A quantity of peel-away tubing is partially disposed within the second lumen. The first and second lumen are separated from each other in the first and second housing areas, but are merged into one lumen in either the third or fourth housing area by a guide/splitting tube.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a lead having a terminal covered by a removable sheath. In one embodiment, the lead has a first end coupled to an implantable electrode and a second end which includes a terminal for coupling to a mating terminal. The sheath prevents bodily fluids from contacting the terminal as the lead is tunneled under a patient's scalp. After the terminal exits the scalp, the sheath is removed from the terminal to allow its connection to the mating terminal.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a elongate catheter having a longitudinal slit for facilitating removal of a rigid stylet after manipulating the catheter to a desired position. In one embodiment, the stylet is contained within the catheter prior to use. The stylet is removed by bending the catheter such that a proximal portion of the stylet protrudes from the slit to allow a surgeon to grasp and remove the stylet from the catheter. In an exemplary embodiment, the catheter system includes a ventricular catheter for draining fluid from a patient's brain ventricle.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrode supports at least one conductive contact having a rounded protrusion adapted for contacting a treatment site of a patient in use and an edge portion bordering at least a portion of the rounded protrusion. The electrode includes a first flexible insulating layer and a second flexible insulating layer having at least one aperture. In assembly, the conductive contact is positioned between the first and second insulating layers with the rounded protrusion of the contact aligned with, and extending into the aperture. In one embodiment, the rounded protrusion extends through the aperture to terminate at an apex beyond the second insulating layer.